Victorian Oil Painting Pike Fish Angling Scene by Arthur Roland Knight c.1890





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Description


Victorian Angling Masterpiece – Pike Fishing Oil Painting by Arthur Roland Knight (c.1890)

Rare Signed Antique Sporting Scene | Original Gilt Frame | Provenance & COA

Subject & Medium

Titled “Angling – Landing a Northern Pike Fish Caught at River with Gaff Pole”, this dynamic 19th-century oil painting C1890 by Arthur Roland Knight (1845–1914) captures the drama of British freshwater fishing at its finest.

A large northern pike bursts from the water’s surface, caught at the river’s edge with a gaff pole. The scene is framed by tall reeds and distant landscape under a soft, clouded sky. This tense moment is rendered with meticulous detail and deep understanding of the sport — a true tribute to Victorian angling. Medium: Oil on canvas (professionally relined).

Composition & Technique

Knight’s expertise shines in the composition’s diagonal tension — the arching pike, thrusting gaff, and rippling waterpull the eye into the heart of the action. Muted greens and browns echo nature’s palette, with golden highlights on the fish and glimpses of blue sky adding contrast and drama. Fine brushwork in the fish and reeds contrasts beautifully with looser background strokes, creating depth, motion, and mood.

Original Victorian Frame
The painting is presented in its original ornate gilt frame, richly stepped with beaded edge typical of the Victorian period.

Frame Dimensions: 29 cm (H) × 34 cm (W) × 3.5 cm (D)

Artist-Signed Original
Signed in the lower corner by Arthur Roland Knight, this mark confirms the work’s authenticity and adds collectible value. A genuine signature by the artist connects the viewer directly to Knight's hand and legacy—an important feature for any serious collector of Victorian landscapes.

About the Artist – Arthur Roland Knight

Arthur Roland Knight was a prominent Victorian sporting artist, famed for lifelike depictions of trout, pike, and river scenes. An avid fisherman himself, Knight infused each canvas with authenticity, anatomical accuracy, and narrative tension. His work has been widely exhibited and is held in public collections including the Chertsey Museum and Vestry House Museum.


Provenance & Exhibition History

From a private Southern England collection

Sold via high-end Dorset Fine Art Auction
Offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
A well-documented painting with strong provenance and institutional exhibition history.

Condition Report

Good antique condition

Minor foxing, craquelure, small paint loss (top corner)

Canvas relined to preserve structural integrity

Original frame shows age-related scuffs and wear

Rear reinforced with staples for stability

Ready to hang and display with timeless Victorian character.

Why Buy This Painting?

Signed by listed British sporting artist Arthur Roland Knight
Dramatic pike fishing scene – rich in detail & movement
Original Victorian gilt frame adds charm & value
Perfect size – ideal for study, gallery, or collection wall
Appeals to art collectors, anglers & fans of Victorian naturalism



Reserve: $3,348.00

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